Plato, one of the most influential Greek philosophers who lived more than 2,000 years ago, considered this question: What is life? He believed life was but a sojourn, so it’s best to make the most of it. And that is the inspiration behind Sojourn Cellars.
Located just a short walk from the historic square in downtown Sonoma, Sojourn offers guests an intimate wine-tasting experience, where they can explore the exquisite offerings of Sojourn Cellars and ponder all things wine.
Erich Bradley, director of winemaking, greets us when we arrive. Seated tastings take place in the salon, which offers a low-key experience in a stylish setting where guests can relax, sip and compare their wines side-by-side, across each varietal, from their growing regions. Sojourn focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet. Tastings there are seasonal, and part of the experience is learning about the nuances of the vineyards where the fruit is sourced along the Sonoma Coast, as well as in the Russian River Valley and Napa Valley appellations.
We begin with the 2019 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, sourced with winegrapes from the famed Durell, one of the most sought-after vineyard sites for this variety. The 2019 vintage is made from a 100% Wente clone that was harvested at night, gently pressed to extract the highest-quality juice and fermented in French oak barrels to showcase the character of the vintage. An exquisite Chardonnay with lively and exotic rich flavors, this is a lovely wine with structure. “Durell is a fantastic site,” says Bradley. “Generally, it’s cool and has a lot of Petaluma Gap [wind] influence. That’s where the magic happens.” Restraint is key, he adds, when working with fruit sourced from Durell. “The art is to pull back and let the fruit showcase the complexity of the site.”
Next, we move to the reds and begin with a 2019 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. On the nose, there are notes of dark cherry and nutmeg. Vibrant and lush, it’s a balanced wine with an earthy quality and depth. Though Sojourn’s first vintage in 2001 was a Cabernet, it added Pinot Noir in 2004 and it was clear to the founders that Pinot would be the focus. “We built our business around this fruit,” Bradley adds, “and the world was ready with the buzz from the movie, Sideways.”
He pours a splash of the 2019 Rodger Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, as we discuss the fragile nature of the varietal. “Pinot is the most transparent of the reds,” he says. “You can’t hide behind the boldness of the fruit. It demands honest winemaking.” Rodgers Creek Vineyard is known for its cool climate and steep slopes, and the fruit sourced from there is exceptional. With notes of red fruit and forest floor, the Rodger Creek Pinot is a complex wine that has ample verve and garnered 95 points by Wine Enthusiast.
Sojourn focuses exclusively on single-vineyard, single-variety wines. As to the winemaking philosophy, for Bradley and Winemaker Randy Bennett, it’s all about capturing the characteristics of the site and the freshness of the fruit off the vine. “We want the wines to taste fresh and alive in your mouth,” he says. “It’s the biggest thing we focus on—that it feels good in the mouth. When we achieve that objective, invariably the wine smells and tastes great, too.”
The next taste is a 2019 Wohler Vineyard Pinot Noir. A distinct Pinot with depth and silkiness, it showcases the exceptional attributes of the Russian River Valley. The fruit is sourced from three distinct blocks within the vineyard. The first two blocks (clones 667 and 828) form the foundation with a rich, lush core, and the third block (Wädenswil 2A) adds earthy aromatics.
While comparing the collection of Pinot Noirs at Sojourn, it becomes increasingly clear that no two are the same. Wine is both science and art. In college, Bradley began his academic studies in biochemistry and later switched his major to philosophy. “It was a unique way to prepare myself to go into wine,” he says with a smile. “Understanding the science of winemaking is only part of it.”
Finally, we end with the 2018 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is dominated by the unique traits of Oakville Ranch Vineyard, and the fruit sourced from two other vineyards around Skellenger Lane, which give it a dark-fruit richness and lush tannins. Rich and vibrant, this wine is the perfect bottle to uncork for a holiday meal or to mark a special occasion.
If life is but a sojourn, what is wine? “The point of wine—well, there’s not just one,” says Bradley, adding that he feels like a philosopher, searching for the essence of each property from which Sojourn sources its fruit. “I can relay that experience. There’s always more than one angle [to a specific vintage], and it’s all relevant.” But in the end, Bradley’s intention when it comes to winemaking is straightforward. “Wine must evoke something, and it must be delicious.”
Sojourn Cellars
Address: 141 E. Napa Street, Sonoma, Calif. 95476
Phone: (707) 938-7212
Website: sojourncellars.com
Hours: Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tastings by appointment only.
Tasting Fee: $35/per person; $50/per person (For parties of 6 or more.)
Wines Available: 2019 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, 2019 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2019 Rodgers Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2019 Wohler Vineyard Pinot Noir and the 2018 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. (Changes seasonally.)
Reservations: Call (707) 938-7212 or email salon@sojourncellars.com.
Picnics: No.
Pets: Yes, friendly dogs on a leash.
Did You Know?
Sojourn Cellars began with two friends, Erich Bradley and Craig Haserot, who shared a passion for two disparate activities—tennis and winemaking. Together, they developed a plan to produce small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyards. With Bradley’s experience as an assistant winemaker at Arrowood and Haserot’s background in software sales and wine collecting, they produced 100 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001 that they sold to friends and family. Over the next 10 years, their wines went on to earn critical acclaim. Today, the boutique winery crafts artisan Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
[Photos courtesy of Sojourn Cellars]
